Best Hanukkah Foods in the USA: Authentic & Popular Hanukkah Dishes

Hanukkah is a time of joy and light - and to be quite honest - this holiday is also about irresistible food. If you’re searching for the best Hanukkah foods in the USA, you might wonder: What’s a latke? What should I bring to a Hanukkah dinner? And what exactly do Jews eat on the first night of Hanukkah? This culinary guide will answer all those questions and more, offering a delicious plunge into traditional Hanukkah dishes that have stood the test of time.

From crispy potato latkes that crunch in all the right ways to lovingly crafted brisket that melts in your mouth, we’ll explore how these dishes bring families together and how you can celebrate like a gourmet pro. Whether you’re hosting, a guest, or just a hungry Hanukkah enthusiast, we’ll uncover the secret ingredients to traditional Hanukkah foods, and we’ll even throw in some modern, chef-inspired menu twists that are winning over foodies everywhere.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights. It's an eight-day celebration rich with tradition, history, and some of the most mouthwatering food you’ll eat all year. Hanukkah celebrates light triumphing over darkness by commemorating the miraculous story of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday’s iconic menorah is lit one candle at a time over the course of these eight nights, with each flame representing the miracle of the oil that lasted far longer than expected as the Maccabees triumphed over the Greeks to reclaim their temple in 200 BC.

You can symbolically retrace these epic eight days by exploring traditional Hanukkah foods and modern takes on holiday classics. From crispy, golden latkes (fried potato pancakes that are hands down the most popular Hanukkah food in America) to sweet and pillowy sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), Hanukkah dishes pay tribute to the miracle of oil through fried foods that will make your taste buds sing.

What Makes Hanukkah Foods Special?

Jewish foods for Hanukkah are more than just a feast - they’re a tribute to a miracle. As we mentioned, that tiny amount of sacred oil that miraculously kept the menorah lit for eight days takes center stage in the kitchen, inspiring the delicious and iconic foods associated with Hanukkah.

From savory fried cheese pancakes, a nod to ancient traditions, to decadent loukoumades (fried dough balls drizzled with honey or syrup), Hanukkah foods celebrate the miracle of oil with mouthwatering creativity. Another favorite includes crispy Sephardic fritters (also known as “bimuelos”), often dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with local honey. Yummo!

There’s more to these dishes than their oil-centric, sizzling appeal. Each bite represents delicious symbolism. These dishes connect Jewish families worldwide to their heritage and pay homage to the sacred story of an abiding and enduring light.

First Course

Start your celebration on a flavorful note with appetizers that showcase Hanukkah special foods and set the stage for the feast ahead. The first course is your chance to honor tradition while tantalizing taste buds with foods that embrace the holiday’s rich history and flavors. Think golden fried latkes served with scratch-made applesauce and matzo ball soup with a hint of dill. These dishes bring warmth, comfort, and a dash of creativity to your table, proving that the beginning of your Hanukkah meal can be just as dazzling as the main event.

Latkes

What is the most popular Hanukkah food in America? Hands down, latkes because they’re the pinnacle of foods for this Jewish holiday. These crispy, golden potato pancakes are rooted in tradition and fried to perfection. Moreover, these savory treats honor the holiday’s miracle of oil while delivering pure comfort in every bite.

Made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and a touch of flour or matzo meal, the mixture is shaped into patties and fried until irresistibly crisp on the outside and tender inside. Traditionally served with applesauce or sour cream, latkes are as versatile as they are delicious - perfect as an app, snack, or even the star of your Hanukkah feast. Whether you stick to a classic Hanukkah recipe or experiment with add-ins like sweet potatoes or zucchini, one thing’s certain: these Hanukkah fried foods are a mainstay to any celebration.

Applesauce

Applesauce is the classic sweet and tangy companion to crispy latkes, creating a perfect balance of flavors as traditional as Hanukkah itself. Its roots as a pairing likely come from the Eastern European Jewish communities, where preserving apples for the winter was common practice, and their natural sweetness complemented the savory richness of fried foods like latkes.

Making scratch-made applesauce is pretty simple and super rewarding. Start by peeling and coring your apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best), then simmer them with water, a squeeze of lemon, and a hint of cinnamon on the stovetop until soft. Mash or blend to your desired consistency, and voilà - you’ve got fresh applesauce that elevates your latke game. Whether served warm or chilled, this classic topping is a must-have at any Hanukkah celebration, adding a nostalgic and delicious touch to every bite.

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup is the quintessential comfort food of Jewish cuisine and a staple at many Hanukkah celebrations. This warming, savory dish features fluffy, dumpling-like matzo balls served in a flavorful chicken broth, often with carrots, celery, and fresh dill. The matzo balls are made from matzo meal, eggs, water, and oil or schmaltz (chicken fat), mixed into a dough and rolled into balls. After chilling to firm up, the matzo balls are gently simmered in broth until tender and airy. Perfect as a first course for your Hanukkah feast or a cozy dish on a cold winter night, matzo ball soup is more than just a meal - it’s a hug in a bowl, steeped in tradition, and perfect for sharing.

Don't want to make it yourself? Order Matzo Ball Chicken Soup made by Chef Einat Admony. Sure to become a year round favorite.

Main Meals

The main course at a Hanukkah feast is where tradition meets heartwarming flavors, offering dishes that bring families together around the table. From the comforting layers of noodle or potato kugel to tender, slow-cooked brisket, these foods for Hanukkah are as satisfying as they are symbolic. Additionally, golden roasted chicken and freshly baked challah (one of the 7 traditional Hanukkah foods) often find their way to the holiday table, adding a comforting mix of crisp, tender, and buttery flavors to the feast. These hearty dishes are a nod to the rich heritage of Jewish foods for Hanukkah and convey a sense of warmth and togetherness that makes the holiday ultra-special. Get ready to explore these classic dishes, each a centerpiece worthy of your Hanukkah celebration.

Kugel

Kugel is a time-honored baked casserole. You can make it with potatoes or egg noodles (depending on your family traditions or personal taste). Whether sweet or savory, kugel is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to something truly special.

As we're talking about main course Hanukkah food recipes, making a savory kugel is a cinch. You’ll start with grated potatoes mixed with onions, eggs, and oil, then bake until GBD (golden, brown, and delicious) on top. This simple-to-make Hanukkah staple warms the heart and satisfies the appetite, making it a must-have main course of your holiday feast.

Brisket

Brisket is a tender, slow-cooked beef dish that is a cornerstone of traditional Jewish foods for Hanukkah. Rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, brisket brings families together with its hearty, comforting appeal.

The magic of brisket lies in its transformation - it's a tough cut of meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender through hours of slow cooking, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings.

To make brisket, the meat is typically seared to lock in flavor, then braised with kosher ingredients, including onions, garlic, and a savory mixture of broth, tomato paste, or wine. Many families add a sweet touch with carrots, honey, or prunes to balance the robust flavors. The brisket is then cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become fork-tender.

Try Chef Einat Admony's perfectly Roasted Brisket with dijon mustard, thyme, and topped off with homemade apple sauce. No cooking required!

Roasted Chicken

Roasted chicken might not steal the spotlight like latkes or brisket, but if you’re asking, “What do Jews eat the first night of Hanukkah?” - this is the dish. Why? Because it’s dependable, versatile, and a scrummy staple for the holiday and year-round. It’s comfort food at its finest, effortlessly bridging tradition with tasty goodness.

Preparing roasted chicken for Hanukkah is all about layering simple, bold flavors. Rub the bird generously with kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a medley of garlic and fresh herbs—think thyme, rosemary, and sage. For an aromatic twist, tuck lemon or orange slices inside the cavity to infuse every bite with a zesty brightness. Roast it slowly, letting the skin crisp up and the juices lock in. Serve it alongside roasted root vegetables or buttery potatoes, and you’ve got a dish that feels both elegant and irresistibly homey.

Challah

What foods are traditionally served at Hanukkah? No doubt, challah is on the list. This braided, golden bread is beloved among common Hanukkah foods. Its rich, slightly sweet flavor and pillowy texture make it the perfect companion to the hearty main dishes served during the holiday. While challah isn’t exclusively a Hanukkah food, its presence during the holiday adds an extra layer of warmth and tradition.

Made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, water, sugar, and yeast, challah’s magic lies in its beautiful braided design, symbolizing unity and continuity. For Hanukkah, some families like to add a festive touch by sprinkling the loaf with seeds or shaping it into round or creative braids. This bread serves as more than just a side—it’s a way to connect with heritage, share blessings, and bring loved ones together around the table.

Challah is considered one of the best Hanukkah foods because it pairs so beautifully with everything on the menu, from brisket and kugel to roasted chicken. Its soft, airy texture is perfect for scooping up sauces or simply enjoying on its own, making it an irresistible part of the feast. Few foods capture the spirit of togetherness quite like challah, with tradition, celebration, and comfort baked into every bite.

Desserts

No Hanukkah festivity is complete without a spread of desserts that bring sweetness to the holiday. From delicate rugelach with their flaky, buttery layers to sufganiyot, the pillowy fried doughnuts filled with luscious jams, Hanukkah desserts are as indulgent as they are symbolic. And we can't forget mandelbrot, the twice-baked treat that’s a Jewish answer to biscotti - perfect for dipping into a cup of tea after a hearty meal. These desserts satisfy your sweet tooth while also giving a tasty salute to a celebration of tradition, family, and the joy of the season, ensuring your Hanukkah feast ends on a honey-kissed note.

Rugelach

Rugelach is a bite-sized pastry that’s as much a work of art as it is a dessert. These crescent-shaped treats are made from a tender, cream cheese-based dough rolled around a filling of nuts, cinnamon, sugar, jam, or chocolate. Rugelach is beloved during Hanukkah for its rich flavor and irresistible texture—flaky, buttery, and perfectly sweet.

Making rugelach requires a bit of patience, but the result is well worth the effort. Start with a dough made from cream cheese, butter, and flour, which is chilled for easier handling. Roll out the dough, spread it with your chosen filling (apricot jam and chopped walnuts are a classic combo), and cut it into wedges. Roll each wedge into a crescent and bake until golden and fragrant. Pro tip: brushing the tops with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful sheen.

Rugelach has become a Hanukkah favorite because it blends old-world charm with endless customization. Whether you stick to traditional fillings or experiment with modern twists like Nutella or dried cranberries, these pastries are a sweet reminder of the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Rugelach is a go-to Hanukkah dessert for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Try our famous gluten-free Cinnamon Rugelach by CookUnity. Flaky, delicious, utterly irresistible. Generously sprinkled with walnuts, raisins and tart cranberries, they’ll turn any day into a special occasion.

Sufganiyot

Sufganiyot are those super-delish, jelly-filled doughnuts, and they're a smash hit during the holiday. Fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these airy treats honor the miracle of oil that lasted eight days. Traditionally filled with strawberry or raspberry jam, sufganiyot are as delightful to eat as they are to make.

Crafting sufganiyot at home starts with a soft, yeast-based dough enriched with eggs and butter for a tender texture. After allowing the dough to rise, it’s shaped into rounds and fried until golden and puffed. Once cooled, the doughnuts are filled with jam (a piping bag works wonders!) and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. For a modern twist, try filling them with chocolate ganache, caramel, or even custard.

Sufganiyot is a mega part of Hanukkah because it combines tradition, indulgence, and family fun. Whether you’re frying up a batch with loved ones or picking them up fresh from a local bakery, sufganiyot adds a sweet sparkle to the holiday. Their warm, fluffy centers and festive charm make them a dessert that’s impossible to resist - and one that’s forever tied to the joy of Hanukkah.

Mandelbrot

Nicknamed "Jewish biscotti," Mandelbrot is a twice-baked cookie that’s crunchy, nutty, and perfect for dipping into coffee or tea. Its name means "almond bread," and many traditional Hanukkah recipes call for studded with chopped almonds, though variations often include chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon. Mandelbrot is a Hanukkah favorite for its long shelf life, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family throughout the holiday’s eight days.

Making is readily available at kosher markets, but it's relatively easy to make if you want to give it a shot. Start with a dough made from flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and your choice of mix-ins. The dough is shaped into logs and baked until firm. After they're cooled, slice the logs into thin pieces and bake again to achieve their signature crispiness. Drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before the second bake for an extra festive touch.

It's an excellent holiday standby because Mandelbrot is versatile, easy to make ahead, and endlessly customizable. Its satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness bring a delightful finish to any Hanukkah meal, making it a timeless treat that’s as much about tradition as it is about flavor.

Bring the Hanukkah Holiday’s Delicious Dishes Home with our Chef-Crafted, Ready-to-Eat Meals]

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All the Goodness, None of the Hassle

Nothing highlights the tradition and light-filled energy of the holiday quite like symbolic, scrumptious Hanukkah foods. From pillowy challah bread to belly-warming tender brisket and flaky rugelach, these foods tell the story of Hanukkah while filling your home with warmth and joy. If you want to enjoy the best of Hanukkah without the stress of cooking, let CookUnity do the cooking for you. Chef-crafted prepared meal delivery service brings authentic, ready-to-eat holiday-inspired dishes straight to your table. Learn more about how it works here, and let our award-winning chefs make your Hanukkah feast one to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanukkah Foods

What is the most popular Hanukkah food in America? Latkes: fried potato pancakes are the best-known Hanukkah food and a beloved favorite across America. These crispy, golden delights are served with applesauce or sour cream and symbolize the miracle of oil that lasted eight days.

What foods are traditionally served at Hanukkah? Traditional Hanukkah foods often revolve around oil to honor the holiday’s story. Popular dishes include latkes, sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), brisket, kugel, roasted chicken, and challah. Each dish carries deep cultural and historical significance, making them staples for the celebration.

What do Jews eat the first night of Hanukkah? While there’s no set rule for the first night, many families enjoy fried foods like latkes or sufganiyot to honor the miracle of oil. Main dishes like brisket or roasted chicken and challah bread are also popular choices to kick off the holiday with a festive and hearty meal.

What should I bring to a Hanukkah dinner? A thoughtful dish like homemade rugelach, mandelbrot, or a bottle of kosher wine is always appreciated. If you’re short on time, picking up fresh sufganiyot or challah from a local bakery is a great option. And if you’re not sure, simply ask your host—they’ll love the gesture!

Do you eat challah on Hanukkah? Yes, challah is often enjoyed during Hanukkah. Its soft, golden texture pairs perfectly with holiday dishes like brisket or roasted chicken, making it a cherished addition to the festive table.

Why do Jews eat potato pancakes on Hanukkah? Potato pancakes, or latkes, are fried in oil to honor the Hanukkah miracle when a small amount of sacred oil kept the menorah lit for eight days. The frying process symbolizes this miracle, making latkes a delicious and meaningful tradition.

What foods cannot be eaten during Hanukkah? Unlike Passover, Hanukkah foods and drinks don’t have dietary restrictions beyond keeping kosher. While there are no foods strictly forbidden, many traditional meals emphasize fried foods and dishes with symbolic connections to the holiday.

What is the chocolate given during Hanukkah? Chocolate coins, or gelt, are a traditional Hanukkah treat. These foil-wrapped chocolates are often given to children, used in games of dreidel, and symbolize the coins used in ancient Jewish customs.

Is cheese eaten at Hanukkah? Yes, cheese has historical significance during Hanukkah, inspired by the story of Judith, who used cheese and wine to defeat an enemy general. Some families incorporate cheesy dishes into their celebrations, like cheese blintzes or savory kugel.

What is a good Hanukkah menu? A classic Hanukkah menu might include latkes with applesauce or sour cream, brisket, roasted chicken, potato kugel, challah bread, and sufganiyot for dessert. Add a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to round out the feast.

Can Jews drink on Hanukkah? Yes, drinking is allowed on Hanukkah as long as it aligns with kosher dietary laws. A glass of kosher wine or festive cocktails can add to the celebration, especially during holiday meals with family and friends.